Coach David Cohen
Dear Dave,
I noticed a substantial price difference between the grass-fed and grass-finished beef at my local market. Is grass ‘finished’ beef really worth the extra money?
Lynne,
Washington
Dear Lynne,
The fact is that most beef are grass fed for a substantial portion of their life. It is the finishing that makes the difference. This is one of the latest health food ‘scams’ – boldly labeling beef with ‘NATURAL, GRASS FED’. Any producer that is worth their weight in beef will include the fact that their animals are ‘GRASS-FINISHED.‘ A truly grass-finished animal will never step one hoof on a feed lot.
There are several both REAL and FAIR reasons why grass-finished costs more. At the core is the fact that corn-finished beef is a mass produced industrial commodity. This makes it cheap. Feed lots produce as much weight in beef in as little time and space as possible. This intensive production puts a huge stress on the animals which usually requires them to be given antibiotics just to make it to slaughter. Raising animals on pasture keeps their stress way down – but also takes longer and does not lend itself to the industrial model. Herds are smaller, weight gain slower, and more care is given to each animal. Grass fed beef has a higher price and higher quality.
If you are not accustomed to cooking with grass-finished beef you should give yourself some room to experiment as it takes less heat and can overcook more than its corn-fed counterpart. I suggest finding a local grower (try the farmer’s market) and asking them how to best prepare their beef. One of my new weekend activities is trying new cuts that I am unfamiliar with….short ribs are the current favorite!
One burger at a time,
Dave
Genesis Transformation's Blog 
Jayne
June 4, 2012
David,
You always provide excellent, clear information…”Ask Dave” is the first thing I always read. And thanks for the photo…a visual reminder of how cows are supposed to get their nutrients and gain weight!
David Cohen
June 7, 2012
THANKS Jayne! I always appreciate feedback – especially when it is positive….
And I am glad you like the picture, it reminds me that healthy cows really have it made! A life of clean food, wide open spaces, all-you-care-to-eat salad bar; not too shabby at all.